The Sconi

Wisconsin voters face a significant decision this November, with the U.S. Presidency and control of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives on the line. Additionally, a contentious constitutional amendment regarding voting rights has been added to the ballot by state legislators.

The ballot question asks: “Eligibility to vote. Shall section 1 of article III of the (Wisconsin) constitution, which deals with suffrage, be amended to provide that only a United States citizen age 18 or older who resides in an election district may vote in an election for national, state or local office or at a statewide or local referendum?”

Common Cause Wisconsin is urging voters to reject this amendment. The proposed change involves replacing "every" with "only," raising concerns about its implications. Critics argue that it could disenfranchise American citizens who lack certain identification documents.

Penny Bernard Schaber, Chair of Common Cause Wisconsin's Advisory Board and former state representative, stated: “I will be voting NO on the constitutional amendment that could limit the voting rights of many people. Wisconsin citizens do not need more red tape when it is time to cast their vote.”

Jay Heck, Executive Director of Common Cause Wisconsin since 1996, commented: “This abusive attempt to amend the state constitution is a continuation of an ongoing scheme by the current gerrymandered Republican majority in the Wisconsin Legislature to enact their partisan agenda and get their way, bypassing the Governor rather than working with him and others to reach a bipartisan consensus on this and other matters.”

Voters previously defeated similar measures in August after being informed about them. Common Cause Wisconsin advocates for another decisive "NO" vote on November 5th.

On Wisconsin. Forward!

Jay Heck, Common Cause Wisconsin Executive Director